Pixabay/Solar panel installation
The cities of Ventnor and Margate are collaborating on a state program to save energy and the costs associated with it.
Margate Planner Roger McLarnon recently attended a meeting with grant writer Jim Rutala of Rutala Associates of Linwood to learn more about energy saving opportunities in both communities.
It was in September 2018 when Rutala asked Ventnor and Margate’s municipal governments and schools to partner on a shared services agreement, with Ventnor as lead agency, that could lead to energy improvements in public facilities through the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Energy Savings Improvement Program without expending local financial resources.
Energy savings will offset the cost of improvements, Rutala said.
Margate Administrator Richard Deaney called it “a major opportunity” to save energy and money.
“It is the first time ever that four governmental agencies are involved in this opportunity from the state to save energy. There are tremendous opportunities to save energy beyond the things that have already been done,” Deaney said.
Following a request for proposals, DCO Energy of Mays Landing was selected to review all energy consumption in Ventnor and Margate municipal buildings, facilities and schools, “anything that consumes energy,” McLarnon said. Honeywell also bid on the project.
Following an “investment grade audit” of all facilities, DCO will create individual energy savings plans for the towns that include a menu of improvements, from upgrading to LED lighting and replacing leaky window and doors to installing energy-efficient HVAC and solar system arrays.
Margate schools and the Municipal Building already have solar panels but they are more than 10 years old and are not as efficient as newer systems, Rutala said.
The Atlantic County Improvement Authority is a partner in the collaboration, so if financing is needed, ACIA will be able to deliver, Rutala said.
“We have a great opportunity to replace all of our street lighting, which will save tremendously on energy and give us brighter street lighting,” Deaney said.
Rutala said replacing LED street lighting would be a great option because the payback on improvements is about two years.
“And the LED lightbulbs don’t need to be replaced for 15 years, so the payoff is significant,” he said.
“They are going to look at everything, including solar, streetlights, building lights, traffic signals, solar panels on traffic signals, higher energy efficiency for pump stations and decorative lighting in the Parkway section,” McLarnon said.
The cost benefit analysis will determine which projects would be most feasible and save the most money.
Although a shopping list of improvements will be recommended in the five-year plan and reviewed by a third-party reviewer, the municipalities and schools will not be required to implement the plans.
Both municipalities have already looking at ways to save on energy, including the possibility of installing a solar array on land adjacent to the Ventnor Educational Community Complex. However, the district is trying to clear up ownership to several lots currently under Green Acres open space regulations. On Dec. 18, the Board of Education awarded a $10,500 contract to The Title Company of New Jersey to do a title search of three lots at the rear of the school, including the old driving range.
The initial audits have been completed and DCO will analyze the results before issuing its findings in about two months, Rutala said.
A committee comprised of representatives of the municipalities and school districts will review the results before deciding on what direction they will take, he said.
Commissioner Maury Blumberg asked if the program would cover the cost of replacing roofs before they can accept a solar installation.
Rutala said the program allows up to 15% of the cost of non-energy improvements.
“One of the positives of the program is that the towns are working together to generate significant energy savings,” Rutala said.
